A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled (OP)

In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).

If we look around us, we’ll identify many problems; problems between our countries, problems between us as Muslims. All these problems have brought us here today with an initiative for coexistence.

For example, in Iraq, thousands are being killed and I am not talking about occupation but I mean because of sectarian differences. The same is happening in Palestine. I know that there could be external powers involved in Iraq and Palestine, but at the end of the day, if we learn to live with each other in peace, no one will be able to influence us that way. Even in Lebanon that used to be a token of love between the different sects! Their differences were the source of their welfare! But now they have started to clash. In Darfur (in Sudan), I was under the impression that all these killings were between Muslims and non-Muslims, until I woke up to the realization that they are all Muslims! I realized that all over the Arab world, we have a big problem in agreeing with each other! You might think that this program is a political one! But in fact, it is not.

Look at our homes! Parents and children are living in separate islands. Divorce rates are escalating drastically. Look at the youth! They can’t find anyone to talk to. Consequently they have isolated themselves, resorted to drugs and from there they are headed to extremism, delinquency and corruption.

In our schools and universities, there is no dialogue between the teacher and the student. The courts are so full of cases arising from nothing but disputes and clashes. Even in the mosques, we had the hearts to start fights and clashes! The concept of coexistence is not taught in our schools or universities. How come we never find courses on communication skills? I haven’t heard of a Friday sermon that tackled this topic before. I haven’t heard of bedtime stories or board games having this issue as their main theme.

The concept of teamwork is utterly missing from our industries, companies, universities, and scientific research. In Europe the companies are merging for added power while we are being scattered around. But when it comes to us, we can’t work with each other.

Even the Muslims living in the West have isolated themselves; refusing to coexist with the new society that surrounds them. We need to offer them a way in which they can smoothly integrate with the societies they are living in, without dissolving or losing their identity.

Let’s imagine that this is the circle of my thinking and this is the one of your thinking. If we keep away from each other, the two circles will always be distant. But if I want to be successful I always have to work on the common overlapping area. Let us work on enlarging it. A scholar once said, “Now I can see clearly because I have mounted everybody’s shoulders the day I heard everybody’s opinion.”

What is coexistence?

There are two objectives for this program. The first one is to instill the idea of coexistence. The second objective is to provide you with the needed skills to achieve coexistence. Whenever I use the term “the other” people instantly jump to one conclusion that I’m only talking about the West. No!! Psychologists tell us that “the other” is a term used by people from their early childhood, when they started coexisting with all the external factors surrounding us.

the first lesson Allah taught to all humanity was coexistence; if you (mankind) will descend to the earth, then you must learn how to live with each other. Allah says what can be translated as, “And recite to them the tiding of the two sons of Adam with the truth as they offered a sacrifice, (Literally: sacrificed an all-sanctified sacrifice) (and) it was (graciously) accepted of one of them and not (graciously) accepted of the other. One (of them) said, “Indeed, I will definitely kill you.” (The other) said, “Surely Allah (graciously) accepts only of the pious” (TMQ, 5:27). “The other” was used here though we’re talking about two brothers; each had his own way of thinking.

The one who is able to coexist is always a person who is self-confident, strong, open-minded and civilized. That’s why Islam is so open to the whole world, because it’s a profound religion and a complete way of life. It has all the factors that enable you to be a good Muslim, yet at the same time so open to the other.

Coexistence does not mean dissolution, or loss of one’s identity, faith or character. Coexistence as a concept exists between two parties: both of them must interact mutually. Let me say this to the Western countries; you can’t enforce your culture on me and then expect me to coexist. You can’t enforce our youth to be a carbon copy of your own culture, and then ask us to coexist. You can’t occupy our country, and then ask us to coexist. We are calling for coexistence between two parties who respect each other’s wishes. This program will tell all the stories of coexistence throughout our history because I want all the youths to be proud of their identity. So coexist but never forget your roots. You have a global mission. You will be open to the whole world, yet proud of your own Muslim identity.

The Prophet (SAWS) taught us that the Muslim who interacts (i.e. coexists) with people and is patient in enduring their harm is better than the one who doesn’t interact and hence is not harmed by them. So don’t think that you are better because no one is harming you.

Coexistence is when we live with each other and accept each other for what we are. Coexistence is when we argue with each other and respect each other even in our differences. Coexistence is when we accept each other’s presence and establish common grounds even when we disagree.

What does Islam say about coexistence?

You’ll be proud to know what Islam says about coexistence. The first thing Islam teaches us is that it is not shameful that we are so different! It is a universal law since it is in our nature to be so different. The greatest creation made by Allah is the human mind. There is no way that all human minds can be identical. How come you accept that we are so different on the outside, yet you do not want to accept us being different in the way we think? Your son has to be different from you; he can’t be a carbon copy of you! If you believe in a certain sect or follow a certain school of thought, you can’t expect everybody else to be identical to you. If you accept this, then you have covered half of the way to overcome this problem.

Islam even says that these differences between us enrich our lives. Allah says what can be translated as, “…and We have made you races and tribes that you may get mutually acquainted” (TMQ, 49:13). This sentence “that you may get mutually acquainted” has a very vast meaning in Arabic that encompasses: exchanging benefits, getting along, making use of each other’s ideas and exchanging economic interests.

Allah says what can be translated as, “And help one another to benignancy and piety” (TMQ, 5:2). This ayah (verse) is not just for Muslims but for all mankind. Let’s help one another in combating the dangers of drugs, of the bird flu epidemic. The rest of the ayah says, “and do not help one another to vice and hostility” (TMQ, 5:2). So you can’t occupy my land, and then ask me to coexist with you.

The Islamic civilization reached its prime when different nationalities and backgrounds joined Islam. Had it not been for Andalusia, which had flourished at the hands of the Muslims, Europe would have never been what it is now. The United States is what it is now because of the various ethnicities and nationalities that have blended together.

I’m challenging all of the constitutions of the Western world to state a single phrase included in them that encourages their people to go and get acquainted with others. The only constitution that has such a phrase is the Qur’an. The West should not look upon us condescendingly saying that it was them who invented coexistence, because this is not true.

Look at this great ayah, “And if your Lord had (so) decided, He would indeed have made mankind one nation; and they do not cease differing (among themselves). Excepting the ones on whom your Lord has mercy, and He created them for that (end)…” (TMQ, 11:118-119). Another ayah that stresses this meaning, “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the differences of your tongues and colors. Surely in that are indeed signs for knowledgeable men” (TMQ, 30:22).

The Prophet (SAWS) depicts this concept by saying that Muslims, in their mercy and compassion, are like one whole body. If one organ is in pain the rest of the body will ache with fever and insomnia. The Prophet (SAWS) is giving you an example from your own body. A body has various organs each with a different function and different role, yet when they worked in union as a team they became like one unit.

The Qur’an is all in the form of a dialogue. It conveys the various dialogues between the prophets and their peoples. The Qur’an even conveys the dialogue of those who objected to Islam. Look at how many times you’ll find the word “they said” in the Qur’an!

Look at “Surat al-Baqara[1]”, which outlines the methodology of Islam, until it reaches the ayah[2] of “al-Kursiyy”, which presents the Islamic creed. The very following ayah starts with, “There is no compulsion in the religion” (TMQ, 2:256). So after placing the whole methodology between our hands, this ayah is stated to the effect that no one is obliged to take this method. “So whoever decides, then let him believe, and whoever decides, then let him disbelieve” (TMQ, 18:29). Everyone is left the choice to believe or not to believe.

Look at how the Qur’an talks about the common grounds in, “Say, “O population of the Book, (Or: Family of the Book, i.e., the Jews and Christians) come to a level word between us and you, that we worship none except Allah, and that we do not associate anything with Him, and that some of us do not take to themselves others (Literally: some “others”) as lords, apart from Allah”” (TMQ, 3:64). Look at how gentle is this ayah addressing non-Muslims, “And surely, either we or you (only) are indeed upon (right) guidance or in evident error” (TMQ, 34:24). So how about the dialogue between us Muslims!

Meditate this great ayah, “O you mankind, be pious to your Lord, Who created you of one self, and created from it its spouse, and from the two disseminated many men and women” (TMQ, 4:1). We all came from one source: Adam and Hawwa (Eve).

This is what unites us with each other.

Do you know what the Prophet (SAWS) did once he reached Madinah? He called for spreading peace and greetings, feeding the hungry, and observing kinship ties. The Madinah at that time was full of clashing tribes like: Aws and Khazraj. He fraternized between the Aws and Khazraj tribes. Next, he built the mosque where the whole society would gather. Then, he renamed the city of “Yathrib” to be “al-Madinah” meaning “The City” so as not to be attributed to any particular tribe. Then he issued a constitution addressing the Jews, the disbelievers, the Muslims and everyone, asking them all to live in peace. I don’t know of a constitution calling for coexistence, like the one made by the Prophet (SAWS) in Madinah.

To all those who are afraid of Islam, and to those who refuse to add religion in the syllabuses for fear of extremism, I want to suggest the exact opposite. I want you to teach them the real Islam so they know how to coexist. If you dread extremism; then teach your children proper Islam. I want to fulfill Allah’s saying, “so be pious to Allah, and act righteously among yourselves (Or: make a reconciliation after differences)…” (TMQ, 8:1).

The Prophet (SAWS) told us that thrashing out our differences and reconciling is even better than fasting, night prayer, and charity. By Allah, our intention from this program is, “Surely the believers are only brothers; so make a reconciliation between your two brothers, and be pious to Allah, that possibly you would be granted mercy” (TMQ, 49:10). The Prophet (SAWS) also told us that things that cause strife between us, act like a “shaving” device that “shaves” our religion off, not our heads.

Allay says, “You have been the most charitable nation brought out to mankind…” (TMQ, 3:110). So I’m proud of that, but at the same time I’m capable of coexisting.

The relation between coexistence and development

Let me ask you this: How can we propose to develop ourselves while we can’t even coexist? It would be a catastrophe. If I want to establish development, then why don’t I build over what I have? I want to tell you a nice story about a boat that was in the sea, in a place where the sea meets with the river. The fishermen wanted some fresh water desperately. They signaled a faraway ship sailing to the west to send them some water. The captain told them, “Are you asking us for fresh water when it is right under you!” And I’m saying the very same thing: the fresh water is right there with us; our history.

Honestly I have to tell you that right now there are some who are trying diligently to drive us all back into wars and strife; to the times of the crusades because they want to sell weapons and make fortunes. So instead of hostility we’ve come to propose Islam’s viewpoint. The first ayah that comes in the Qur’an addresses the Lord of the worlds, “Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds” (TMQ, 1:2), and the last ayah in the Qur’an addresses the Lord of mankind! , “Say, “I take refuge with The Lord of mankind” (TMQ, 114:1). Hence, the Qur’an is a universal book. So be open, coexist without dissolving or losing your faith.

Overview of the coming episodes

Starting next episode we will be telling you the stories of the four Imams (Islamic scholars): ash-Shafe’yy, Abu-Hanifa, Malik and Ahmad Ibn-Hanbal. We are not going to discuss them from the point of view of Islamic jurisprudence. We will focus on coexistence intertwined in the stories of the four Imams.

One last thing, if you want to interact with us then access our website www.amrkhaled.net after each episode. Post your comments, your criticism, and your objective views,

Finally, may the Peace of Allah be upon you all.

__________________________________

MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS:
Insha'allah I want to post here ALL the episode of this program:every wednesday at 20:00 KSA

(Allah does not forbid you with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes,) means, those who did not have a role in your expulsion. Therefore, Allah does not forbid you from being kind to the disbelievers who do not fight you because of the religion, such as women and weak disbelievers,

[أَن تَبَرُّوهُمْ]

(to deal kindly) to be gentle with them,[وَتُقْسِطُواْ إِلَيْهِمْ]

(and justly with those) to be fair with them[إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ]

(Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.) Imam Ahmad recorded that Asma' bint Abu Bakr said, "My mother, who was an idolatress at the time, came to me during the Treaty of Peace, the Prophet conducted with the Quraysh. I came to the Prophet and said, `O Allah's Messenger! My mother came visiting, desiring something from me, should I treat her with good relations' The Prophet said,«نَعَمْ صِلِي أُمَّك»

(Yes. Keep good relation with your mother.)'' The Two Sahihs recorded this Hadith. Imam Ahmad recorded that `Abdullah bin Zubayr said, "Qutaylah came visiting her daughter, Asma' bint Abi Bakr, with some gifts, such as Dibab, cheese and clarified (cooking) butter, and she was an idolatress at that time. Asma' refused to accept her mother's gifts and did not let her enter her house. `A'ishah asked the Prophet about his verdict and Allah sent down the Ayah,

(Allah does not forbid you with those who fought not against you on account of religion) until the end of the Ayah. Allah's Messenger ordered Asma' to accept her mother's gifts and to let her enter her house.'' Allah's statement,[إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ]

(Allah loves those who deal with equity.) was duly explained in the Tafsir of Surat Al-Hujurat. We also mentioned the authentic Hadith,

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Yes i totally agree with everything you said, we must be fair to them, treat them kindly, and if they have a closer relationship to us (like familly, or neighbours) then this should be respected more, as you mentioned in the Hadeeth. Still this does not me calling for the unity of religions, or even to love the people who do not believe in Islam. Dealing with people well is on thing and loving them is another.

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

"Allah does not forbid you with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes,to deal kindly and justly with those,Allah loves those who deal with equity."

thank you brother Fi_Sabilillah for this reply .. Jazaka'allah khairan.

Yes i totally agree with everything you said, we must be fair to them, treat them kindly, and if they have a closer relationship to us (like familly, or neighbours) then this should be respected more, as you mentioned in the Hadeeth. Still this does not me calling for the unity of religions, or even to love the people who do not believe in Islam. Dealing with people well is on thing and loving them is another.

brother Karimeldib .. Iam really regard you and your different opinion.
and I agree with you about this point:

As Muslims we must treat people who are not Muslim kindly and fairly, but we can not love them or take them as awlya' (close friends).

on this thread I don't mean only the Coexistence between moslems and not moslems .. I mean as well the Coexistence between the moslems themselves.
between sunna and shia'a .. between you and me.
we should appreciate each other, understand each other, regard each other even we are different.
I don't talk about Love Or Hate ....

Insha'allah This thread will talk about the storys of the four Imams (Islamic scholars): ash-Shafe’yy, Abu-Hanifa, Malik and Ahmad Ibn-Hanbal.
that will focus on coexistence intertwined in the stories of the four Imams.

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

A call to an Islamic union:
On this site we shall be concentrating on the urgent requirement for the establishment of an Islamic Union, one of the most important needs facing the Muslim World with its 1.2 billion population spead over a broad region of the world.

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Greetings and peace be with you mariam
Striving to bring about an Islamic Union inevitably means bringing people together with diverse beliefs. What possible grounds are there to bring people together?

Islam is not on its own in the search for unity, Christianity also suffers with many schisms and would dearly like unity.

It always seems like a power struggle with two giants seeking supremacy.

Somehow despite all our differences I believe that interfaith friendship is the way forwards; were we seek justice for all people despite all our great differences.

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Originally Posted by mariam.

Brotherhood of three religion:
As people who believe in God and follow His revelations, let us rally to a common formula - "faith". Let's love God, Who is our Creator and Lord, and follow His commands. And let us pray God to lead us to an even straighter path. When Muslims, Christians and Jews rally to a common formula this way; when they understand that they are friends not enemies,then the world will become a very different place.
The fighting that has raged for ages, enmities, fears - and terrorist attacks - will come to an end, and a new civilization based on love, respect and peace will be established upon this "common formula".

I do not have my Quran to hand to put the correct quote but didn't Allah say that had He wished He could have made all people one nation and one religion. Clearly He didn't and on the day of judgement Allah will tell us the difference between us. If I have understood this correctly then who are we (as mere people) to 'judge' people for their nationality, skin colour or faith?

Perhaps a brother or sister could let me know Quranic quote for this passage and let me know if I have understood it correctly.

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

These theoretical debates became a pressing issue in France last month when schools unexpectedly received free copies of an "Atlas of Creation" by Turkish Islamist Harun Yahya that blames Darwinism for everything from terrorism to Nazism.

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Originally Posted by Karimeldib

I'm sorry but Islam does not tell us to have union of faiths, the only way Muslims will accept this union of faiths is if we all unite under the religion of all the prophets, the religion of God, Islam. As Muslims we must believe that there is only one correct religion, there is no uncertainty about this.
As Muslims we must treat people who are not Muslim kindly and fairly, but we can not love them or take them as awlya' (close friends).
Our real friends are other Muslims.. chapter 5 verse 55-57 (( Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the (Fellowship of) Believers, those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship). [56] As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Messenger, and the (Fellowship of) Believers, it is the Fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph. [57] O ye who believe! Take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport, whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but fear ye Allah if ye have Faith (indeed).))
Allah tells us chapter 60 verse 4 (( There is for you an excellent example (to follow) in Ibrahim and those with him, when they said to their people: "We are clear of you and of whatever ye worship besides Allah: we have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred forever, unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone"..))
Allah also warns us chapter 4 verse 51 (( O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors; they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust))

I have heard this so many times and everytime it comes across just as disturbing as the last. It is a reason that I would never become a Muslim or follower of Islam, and is a reason that I look at many Muslims that I dont know with doubt and skepticism. Why not love another man or woman just because they dont share your faith? We do not live in the days of Muhammad, then there would have been reasons to not love someone of another faith or at the least be weary of them because of the persecution one may have faced in that day, today there is not the same problem, today it seems the Muslims by using this piece of the Quran are only making this a problem. We are all created by God, and I think we are all taught to love all of Gods creations, which by logic would say that we should all love each other. If Islam cannot love other religions just because they do not agree with their own then how can Islam be a religion of peace? Peace = Love, does it not? If this is the case Islam, a religion of peace, is preventing peace for the rest of the world. If this is the road Islam wants to take, than that is the choice of its believers, however its believers should also realize that this mindset will undoubtably have unwanted reprecussions from the other 5 billion people in the world.

"War does not determine who is right - only who is left."
- Bertrand Russell

"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." - Napoleon Bonaparte

"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the
enemy." - George Washington

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Originally Posted by MTAFFI

I have heard this so many times and everytime it comes across just as disturbing as the last. It is a reason that I would never become a Muslim or follower of Islam, and is a reason that I look at many Muslims that I dont know with doubt and skepticism. Why not love another man or woman just because they dont share your faith? We do not live in the days of Muhammad, then there would have been reasons to not love someone of another faith or at the least be weary of them because of the persecution one may have faced in that day, today there is not the same problem, today it seems the Muslims by using this piece of the Quran are only making this a problem. We are all created by God, and I think we are all taught to love all of Gods creations, which by logic would say that we should all love each other. If Islam cannot love other religions just because they do not agree with their own then how can Islam be a religion of peace? Peace = Love, does it not? If this is the case Islam, a religion of peace, is preventing peace for the rest of the world. If this is the road Islam wants to take, than that is the choice of its believers, however its believers should also realize that this mindset will undoubtably have unwanted reprecussions from the other 5 billion people in the world.

I am prepared to stick my neck out here and incur the wrath of my fellow Muslims. This is an argument I have repeatedly with other Muslims.

Please read again the verses that Karimeldib posted.

Chapter 5 verses 55-57: Those who establish regular prayer - surely christians and jews establish regular prayer? I do not imagine as a practicing Christian or Jew you would mock other religions (of course you would not agree with them but I doubt you would mock).

Chapter 60 verse 4: "unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone". Of course I can't make an argument with this and I do not agree with your belief that Jesus (pbuh) is the son of God but I imagine as a Christian you think Jesus (pbuh) is a part of God and you are therefore only believeing in God?

I am ashamed that I do not have my Quran on holiday with me to give you an accurate quote so I hope Allah will forgive me for paraphrasing. In the Quran Allah tells us that had He wished He could have made us all one nation and one religion and on the day of judgement He will tell us the difference between us. Allah therefore wanted us to be different nations, colours, religions, etc so why should we mere mortals use this as a means of hatred? When Muslims wish to make the argument that we should not accept each other they will use the same verses from the Quran, as Christians use small parts of the bible and Jews small parts of the Torah to make their argument.

Please believe me that the Quran does teach tolerance when read as a whole and the prophet Mohammad (pbuh) taught tolerance during his time as a prophet. Any religious book can be used by people to make their argument, if they just quote small pieces but Allah intended us to be different and it is my personal belief that when we have to answer for our actions at the end of our time here, how we treated people that are different from ourselves will be a big issue. Only Allah can judge us for our beliefs and actions.

I believe that there is only one God, Allah and that Mohammad (pbuh) was his final prophet. As a muslim I cover my hair and wear a dress that covers all of my body, I never drink alcohol (it would lead me to forget Allah) and I do numerous other things to please Allah. It is my choice and my right to believe this and my duty to defend my religion, as it is your choice and right to believe in Christianity and Brother Karimeldib's right to have his beliefs but my personal opinion is that we can discuss, learn about others beliefs and be tolerant whilst not losing anything of our ourselves or our beliefs.

I truly hope I have not offended anyone, from any religion, with these views but it is a subject I feel so strongly about.

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

I am prepared to stick my neck out here and incur the wrath of my fellow Muslims. This is an argument I have repeatedly with other Muslims.

Please read again the verses that Karimeldib posted.

Chapter 5 verses 55-57: Those who establish regular prayer - surely christians and jews establish regular prayer? I do not imagine as a practicing Christian or Jew you would mock other religions (of course you would not agree with them but I doubt you would mock).

Chapter 60 verse 4: "unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone". Of course I can't make an argument with this and I do not agree with your belief that Jesus (pbuh) is the son of God but I imagine as a Christian you think Jesus (pbuh) is a part of God and you are therefore only believeing in God?

I am ashamed that I do not have my Quran on holiday with me to give you an accurate quote so I hope Allah will forgive me for paraphrasing. In the Quran Allah tells us that had He wished He could have made us all one nation and one religion and on the day of judgement He will tell us the difference between us. Allah therefore wanted us to be different nations, colours, religions, etc so why should we mere mortals use this as a means of hatred? When Muslims wish to make the argument that we should not accept each other they will use the same verses from the Quran, as Christians use small parts of the bible and Jews small parts of the Torah to make their argument.

Please believe me that the Quran does teach tolerance when read as a whole and the prophet Mohammad (pbuh) taught tolerance during his time as a prophet. Any religious book can be used by people to make their argument, if they just quote small pieces but Allah intended us to be different and it is my personal belief that when we have to answer for our actions at the end of our time here, how we treated people that are different from ourselves will be a big issue. Only Allah can judge us for our beliefs and actions.

I believe that there is only one God, Allah and that Mohammad (pbuh) was his final prophet. As a muslim I cover my hair and wear a dress that covers all of my body, I never drink alcohol (it would lead me to forget Allah) and I do numerous other things to please Allah. It is my choice and my right to believe this and my duty to defend my religion, as it is your choice and right to believe in Christianity and Brother Karimeldib's right to have his beliefs but my personal opinion is that we can discuss, learn about others beliefs and be tolerant whilst not losing anything of our ourselves or our beliefs.

I truly hope I have not offended anyone, from any religion, with these views but it is a subject I feel so strongly about.

If only more people could see things this way

"War does not determine who is right - only who is left."
- Bertrand Russell

"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." - Napoleon Bonaparte

"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the
enemy." - George Washington

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Originally Posted by samah12

Thankyou Mariam for this thread, when I read this I actually cried.

I do not have my Quran to hand to put the correct quote but didn't Allah say that had He wished He could have made all people one nation and one religion. Clearly He didn't and on the day of judgement Allah will tell us the difference between us. If I have understood this correctly then who are we (as mere people) to 'judge' people for their nationality, skin colour or faith?

Perhaps a brother or sister could let me know Quranic quote for this passage and let me know if I have understood it correctly.

peace be upon you sister:
Allah the Great and Almighty said:"To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a Law and an Open Way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute"(The Table Spread:48)

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Originally Posted by MTAFFI

I have heard this so many times and everytime it comes across just as disturbing as the last. It is a reason that I would never become a Muslim or follower of Islam, and is a reason that I look at many Muslims that I dont know with doubt and skepticism. Why not love another man or woman just because they dont share your faith? We do not live in the days of Muhammad, then there would have been reasons to not love someone of another faith or at the least be weary of them because of the persecution one may have faced in that day, today there is not the same problem, today it seems the Muslims by using this piece of the Quran are only making this a problem. We are all created by God, and I think we are all taught to love all of Gods creations, which by logic would say that we should all love each other. If Islam cannot love other religions just because they do not agree with their own then how can Islam be a religion of peace? Peace = Love, does it not? If this is the case Islam, a religion of peace, is preventing peace for the rest of the world. If this is the road Islam wants to take, than that is the choice of its believers, however its believers should also realize that this mindset will undoubtably have unwanted reprecussions from the other 5 billion people in the world.

truly .. I don't know why your words make me cry.
I am really agree with you .. I feel that our religion give us ALL the solution of the world problems .. but we throw it away.
don't be surprise .. I want to tell you some thing If you want to know exactly what is Islam don't LOOK to us.
If you really try to find the truth .. If you really Love your God and Creator
ask him to lead you to the straight way, and said:" Show me the straight way,The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose is not wrath, and who go not astray."
try to read Quran with your heart and try to understand every word in it.
may God bless you and make from his pious servents .. AMEEN

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Originally Posted by mariam.

peace be upon you sister:
Allah the Great and Almighty said:"To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a Law and an Open Way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute"(The Table Spread:48)

Salaam Alaykoum sister. Thank you for this, I was sure I had read this in the Quran, why do so many Muslims fail to see this?

When I read the Quran the things that I remember are about tolerence and peace, because in my heart I want people to be tolerant and peaceful. Others read the Quran and remember the verses which reflect what is in their hearts. I wonder if it possible to read the Quran without your heart pointing you in one direction or another? Perhaps this is another test by Allah?

Re: A Call for Coexistence .. By Amr khaled

Wow...a thread that is actually positive and constructive.

I wish more people could adopt this outlook. Just imagine if the world was united against suffering of all kinds. Not much to say, in our hearts most of us know the right path. It isn't about what you call yourself, it is about how you live your life.

"Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is."

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